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14 - Spoon - Ramu river - Papua New Guinea - France Provenance: F…
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Estimate €150 - €300
Sale commission
Description
Spoon - Ramu river - Papua New Guinea - France Provenance: Former Guy Seghers collection (Belgium). Collected in Papua New Guinea between 1970 and 1980 during scientific missions linked to the Leopold III Biological Station on Laing Island. Archives and period photographs preserved. Dimensions: H. 17 cm - Materials: Coconut Small ceremonial spoon carved from a section of coconut shell, with an elegant arched shape and tapering profile. The rim is underlined by a regular frieze of fine perforations made at close intervals, a characteristic found on several examples attributed to the populations of the Ramu River region. The opposite end is slightly raised to form a discreet grip. The apparent simplicity of the object is offset by the quality of its workmanship and the attention paid to the treatment of the edges. In Sepik and Ramu societies, spoons and utensils used for ritual consumption of food preparations or ceremonial substances could be specially decorated, reflecting their symbolic value as much as their everyday use. The deep patina of the coconut, combined with the traces of ancient use, give this piece a remarkable presence. Its refined design and the finesse of its perforations perfectly illustrate the aesthetic of small, prestigious objects from New Guinea, where technical mastery is often expressed with great economy of means.
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About the sale ARTS OF AFRICA & OCEANIA: Three exceptional family collections
Auction location
Auction time 06/22/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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